10 glasshouse cafes & restaurants for Insta-worthy brunch

Over at the newly opened Bird Paradise, Starbucks has opened a brand new outlet that is nestled within Mandai Wildlife West, a public space with playgrounds and various F&B spots. With full-height glass windows that afford views of the tranquil surroundings and lush greenery beyond. Murals of flora and fauna decorate the space, and it’s designed with eco-friendly elements too — its bar ceiling, outdoor benches and planters are all made with recycled wood. There’s also an outdoor play area located outside the cafe.

Mandai Wildlife West is at 20 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore 729825. Visit Starbucks’ website for more information.

Bird Paradise isn’t the only place with a stunning Starbucks cafe. Jurong Lake Gardens is home to a standalone cafe with glass windows that showcase a waterfront view and cathedral ceiling. Inside, you’ll find artsy murals and sculptural wood elements. Bonus points: It’s pet-friendly, so you can bring your furbaby out for a walk at the park, then chill at the space.

Starbucks Jurong Lake Gardens is at 106 Yuan Ching Road #01-01, Lakeside House, Jurong Lake Gardens, Singapore 619616. Visit Starbucks’ website for more information.

Housed within the Dempsey enclave is Canchita Peruvian Cuisine, a venture by husband-wife duo Tamara Chavez and Daniel Chavez that seeks to celebrate vibrant Latin American cuisine.

Its interiors boast large glass windows that look out to verdant tropical greenery – almost like you’re dining amidst a forest, with a canopy of foliage adding to the atmosphere. Soak in the serene atmosphere while you dine on the likes of ceviche, enchiladas, and other Peruvian plates.

Canchita Peruvian Cuisine is at Dempsey Rd, #9A 9B, Singapore 247698. Visit its website for more information.

This beautiful glass structure is located in the heartlands, within The Alps Residences compound in Tampines and is open to the public. And if you’re wondering about the name of the cafe, that’s because it’s, well, “around the corner”. We aren’t jesting.

If you’re residing in the neighbourhood or *ahem* around the area and looking for a late night sugar hit, then this is where to check out. It opens till 12am from Sun to Thurs and 2am on Fridays and Saturdays, and specialises in gelato. Flavours run the gamut from Sicilian Pistachio to Salted Brown Butter, Yakult Oreo and Speculoos, and you can choose to pair yours with a cone or a fluffy, slightly crisp waffle.

It’s also got a selection of coffee, tea and mocktails.

Around is at 01-51 Alps Residences, 115 Tampines Street 86, Singapore Singapore 528537. Opens daily, 12pm to 2am. 

While glasshouses might recall pretty airy interiors, coffee house Waga Waga Den is quite the opposite, with sleek contemporary finishings and a dark colour palette. It’s run by the Black Carvery group, which also owns Black Cow and Shatoburian. In case you’re curious, its name is derived “wagyu beef” and “wagashi” (Japanese sweets).

The joint uses a house blend coffee of single-origin Brazilian and single-origin Guatemalan beans that are of a medium roast and low acidity. Options range from espresso and cold brew coffee to specialities like Cloud, a cappuccino topped with frothy bubbles and a sprinkling of chocolate powder.

For bites, there are savoury options like sandwiches, as well as desserts such as the luscious Waga Cheesecake with a melty centre, and earthy kinako-covered warabi mochi.

There’s not much seating inside, but you can take your cuppa and chill out at the outdoor patio with tables and benches.

Waga Waga Den is at 38 Beach Road, #01-14 South Beach Tower, Singapore 189767. Opens Tues to Fri, 8.30am to 3.30pm, and Sat, 9.30am to 4.30pm. Closed on Sun & Mon. Visit its Instagram page for more.

Hortus restaurant is located within the Flower Dome at Gardens by the Bay, which is itself a humongous glass greenhouse.

With the surrounding flora, terracotta tiles, wooden elements, and fabric canopy, you’ll feel like you’re on an idyllic Mediterranean getaway. Then there’s the food, which sees Mediterranean classics like falafel salad, wood-fired grilled seafood, shakshuka, tagines, and other rustic dishes.

Or stop by for its afternoon tea ($58++ per pax), and dive into bites like a Madras curry crab sandwich, Comte cheese quiche, beef and lamb slider, tarts, pies and homemade scones.

Hortus is at Flower Dome at Gardens by the Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Dr, #01-09 Flower Dome, Singapore 018953. Opens Tues to Sun. Closed on Mondays. Visit its website for more information.

By the same people behind Glyph Supply Co, this cafe belongs to and is located at the food processing and investment holding company Wilmar International Limited’s headquarters at One-north.

Glass panels surround the cafe so it’s flooded with natural light, and the interiors are decked in muted hues, and plush seats with wooden tables. It generally caters to the office crowd, and only opens on weekdays. Food-wise, there’s nothing fancy here, but you can dive into protein and sushi rice bowls, salads, pastries and sandwiches.

But if you’re looking for a cup of java, you can expect specialty brews from sister brand Glyph Supply Co.

Runes Cafe is at Wilmar International Limited Headquarters, 28 Biopolis Road, Singapore 138568. Open from Mondays to Fridays, 8am to 4pm. Closed on weekends and public holidays.

If the heat is getting to you while you’re at Gardens by the Bay, cool off with a gelato at Mylo’s.

Taking over what was previously Fennel Cafe, this 90-seater space is outfitted with full-height glass windows that afford views of the greenery outside while you enjoy air-conditioned comfort. Or if you like, there’s also offers al fresco sitting.

You’ll get a choice of over 20 seasonal gelato flavours from Coconut Pandan to Jasmine Oolong and Lychee Raspberry Rose, to boozy ones like Margarita and Gin Tonic. And you can have them in a cup or cone, or with a brownie, waffle, or toasted brioche bun. There are also pastries, sandwiches and cakes.

Not only is it a pet-friendly cafe, Mylo’s also has various dog treats for your pooch too, such as homemade dog biscuits and popsicles.

Mylo’s is at Gardens by the Bay’s Active Garden, 18 Marina Gardens Drive, #01-01, Singapore 018953. Visit its website for more information.

Taking inspiration from Australia’s cafe scene, you can sip on specialty java while chilling amidst contemporary surroundings with a see-through ceiling as well as windows that bathe the space in natural light.

The focus is on casual brunch fare, and the cafe serves up plates like salmon avocado toast, waffles and fried chicken, duck confit pasta, slow braised lamb leg with sourdough, and various toasties. There are also Instagram-worthy plates like the Candy Floss French Toast, and kiddos can dive into a kids’ menu with options like chicken tenders and fish fingers.

Dewgather Coffee House is at #01-46 The Star Vista, 1 Vista Exchange Green, Singapore 138617. Visit its website for more information.

If you’re over at the Changi and looking for a spot to rest and recharge, then make your way to Hub & Spoke.

Enormous windows that run the length of the establishment, which sports a colonial-inspired aesthetic, and offer a view of the grassy lawn outside. Refuel with brunch options like eggs benedict, pasta and sandwiches, as well as local delights like kaya toast, laksa and nasi lemak as mains.

Hub & Spoke is at 60 Airport Boulevard #01-T2S-02, Singapore Changi Airport, Singapore 819643. Opens Mon to Sun, 7.30am to 10.30pm. Visit its website for more information.

This article was originally published on Aug 16, 2023 and updated on 31 May, 2023 in Singapore Women's Weekly.